Travel Agencies & Tour Operators in Egypt

Egypt Travel Guide: Pyramids, Ancient Temples & Nile River Cruises #

Egypt (Arabic: مصر, Miṣr or Maṣr) is known for its world-famous pyramids, mummies, temples, art, churches, mosques, bustling cities, friendly people, and hieroglyphics. Egypt is considered a cradle of civilisation and has one of the longest histories of any country in the world. Egypt may perhaps have the oldest tourist industry in the world; Egypt has been visited by millions of people since ancient times. There is a lot to do for the foreign traveller in Egypt. Apart from visiting and seeing the temples and artefacts of ancient Egypt, there is also much to see within each city. In fact, each city in Egypt has its own charm of things to see with its own history, culture, activities, and people who often differ in nature from people of other parts of Egypt. Professional tour operators specializing in Egypt help travelers discover this magnificent nation’s ancient wonders, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences.

Why Choose Egypt for Your Next Adventure #

Egypt combines world-famous ancient monuments, the majestic Nile River, Red Sea diving, desert adventures, vibrant bazaars, rich Islamic and Coptic heritage, and warm hospitality. Whether seeking the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Nile River cruises, Valley of the Kings exploration, Red Sea diving, Cairo’s Islamic architecture, or desert oasis experiences, experienced tour operators provide expert guidance across this fascinating ancient land.

Geography & Natural Wonders #

Egypt’s geography is dominated by the Nile River and surrounding deserts:

Geographic Characteristics:

• Area: 1,010,408 km² (390,121 sq mi)
• Nile River: World’s longest river, lifeblood of Egypt
• Highest point: Mount Catherine at 2,629m (8,625 ft) in Sinai
• Coastline: Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts

Major Geographic Regions:

• Nile Valley and Delta: Fertile agricultural land, where most population lives
• Western Desert: Vast desert with oases
• Eastern Desert: Mountainous desert between Nile and Red Sea
• Sinai Peninsula: Rugged peninsula, Red Sea coast
• Red Sea Coast: Luxury resorts, diving, marine life

Natural Landmarks:

• Nile River: Lifeblood of Egypt, longest river in world
• Red Sea: World-class diving, coral reefs, marine life
• Western Oases: Siwa, Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga
• Sahara Desert: Vast desert landscapes
• Mount Sinai: Sacred mountain, St. Katherine’s Monastery
• Aswan High Dam: Engineering marvel, Lake Nasser

Popular Destinations & Attractions #

Cairo:

• Capital and largest city, vibrant metropolis
• Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx (across river in Giza)
• Egyptian Museum, Grand Egyptian Museum
• Islamic Cairo, historic mosques and architecture
• Khan el-Khalili bazaar
• Coptic Cairo, ancient churches
• Modern city, cultural hub

Luxor:

• Ancient Thebes, “world’s greatest open-air museum”
• Valley of the Kings, royal tombs
• Karnak Temple, massive temple complex
• Luxor Temple, beautifully lit at night
• Valley of the Queens, Colossi of Memnon
• Gateway to ancient Egyptian sites

Aswan:

• More relaxed than Luxor
• Philae Temple, Abu Simbel nearby
• Nubian culture and villages
• Aswan High Dam, Lake Nasser
• Felucca sailing on Nile
• Beautiful setting on Nile

Alexandria:

• Mediterranean port city
• Historic city, founded by Alexander the Great
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina (modern library)
• Qaitbay Citadel, Montaza Palace
• Corniche, Mediterranean views
• Greco-Roman heritage

Giza:

• Pyramids of Giza (Great Pyramid, Khafre, Menkaure)
• Great Sphinx
• Solar Boat Museum
• Pyramids Sound and Light Show
• Part of Greater Cairo

Sharm el-Sheikh:

• Red Sea resort town
• World-class diving and snorkeling
• Naama Bay, resort area
• Gateway to Sinai attractions
• Luxury resorts, nightlife

Hurghada:

• Red Sea resort town
• All-inclusive resorts
• Diving and water sports
• El Gouna nearby (upscale resort)
• Beach activities

Abu Simbel:

• Remote temples in far south
• Ramesses II temples
• Relocated to save from Lake Nasser
• UNESCO World Heritage
• Accessible by flight or convoy

Regions of Egypt #

Lower Egypt #

The northern Nile delta and the Mediterranean coast. Features Cairo, Alexandria, the Delta region, and Mediterranean beaches. Most populous region, cultural and economic center.

Middle Egypt #

The area along the Nile where the historical Upper and Lower kingdoms met. Features smaller cities, agricultural areas, and some archaeological sites.

Upper Egypt #

A string of amazing temple towns located on the southern stretch of the Nile. Features Luxor, Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and numerous ancient temples. The heart of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Western Desert #

Location of the Western Oases: five pockets of green, each with their own unique attractions. Features Siwa Oasis, Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, and Kharga. Desert landscapes, hot springs, unique cultures.

Red Sea Coast #

Luxury beach resorts, diving and marine life. Features Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, and other resort towns. World-class diving, coral reefs, luxury resorts.

Sinai #

Rugged and isolated peninsula, with fascinating relics of the past, high mountains and great scuba diving. Features St. Katherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai, Dahab, and diving sites.

Adventure Activities & Experiences #

Tour operators offer extraordinary activities across Egypt’s diverse landscapes:

Ancient Sites & Archaeology #

• Pyramids of Giza: Great Pyramid, Sphinx, solar boat
• Valley of the Kings: Royal tombs, Tutankhamun’s tomb
• Karnak Temple: Massive temple complex, avenue of sphinxes
• Luxor Temple: Beautifully preserved temple
• Abu Simbel: Ramesses II temples, relocated monuments
• Philae Temple: Island temple, relocated
• Edfu and Kom Ombo: Well-preserved temples
• Saqqara: Step Pyramid, ancient necropolis
• Memphis: Ancient capital, open-air museum

Nile River Experiences #

• Nile cruises: Luxor to Aswan, multi-day cruises
• Felucca sailing: Traditional sailboat on Nile
• Dahabiya cruises: Luxury smaller boats
• Sunset and sunrise: Beautiful views on Nile
• River activities: Fishing, bird watching

Red Sea Diving & Water Sports #

• Scuba diving: World-class diving, coral reefs
• Snorkeling: Marine life, colorful fish
• Dive sites: Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm wreck, many more
• Water sports: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing
• Marine life: Dolphins, sharks, rays, turtles

Desert Adventures #

• Western Desert: Oasis tours, desert safaris
• Siwa Oasis: Remote oasis, unique culture
• White Desert: Surreal white rock formations
• Black Desert: Volcanic landscapes
• Camel trekking: Desert experiences
• 4x4 desert safaris: Off-road adventures
• Camping: Desert camping under stars

Cultural Experiences #

• Islamic Cairo: Historic mosques, architecture, bazaars
• Coptic Cairo: Ancient churches, Coptic Museum
• Khan el-Khalili: Historic bazaar, shopping
• Nubian villages: Aswan area, traditional culture
• Traditional crafts: Papyrus, alabaster, jewelry
• Sound and light shows: Pyramids, Karnak, Philae

Adventure Sports #

• Desert safaris: 4x4, quad biking, sandboarding
• Mountaineering: Mount Sinai, Mount Catherine
• Rock climbing: Various locations
• Kitesurfing: Red Sea locations
• Paragliding: Some locations available

Cultural Heritage & History #

Egypt’s culture reflects 5,000+ years of continuous civilization:

Ancient Egypt #

Pharaonic Period (3100-332 BC):

• One of world’s oldest civilizations
• Pyramids, temples, tombs
• Hieroglyphics, art, architecture
• Rich mythology and religion
• Mummification, burial practices

Major Periods:

• Old Kingdom: Pyramids built
• Middle Kingdom: Cultural flowering
• New Kingdom: Empire, Valley of the Kings
• Late Period: Foreign rule

Greco-Roman Period #

Ptolemaic and Roman Rule (332 BC-641 AD):

• Alexander the Great, founded Alexandria
• Cleopatra, last pharaoh
• Roman rule, integration
• Cultural fusion
• Christianity introduced

Islamic Period #

Arab Conquest (641 AD):

• Islam introduced
• Arabic language
• Islamic architecture
• Cairo founded (969 AD)
• Mamluk period, Ottoman rule

Modern Era #

Modern Egypt:

• British influence (1882-1952)
• Independence (1922)
• Nasser era, Suez Canal
• Contemporary challenges and progress
• Arab Spring (2011)

Cultural Identity #

Religious Diversity:

• Majority: Sunni Islam
• Coptic Christianity: Ancient community
• Other Christian denominations
• Religious tolerance historically

Cultural Heritage:

• Arabic language
• Islamic and Coptic traditions
• Ancient Egyptian legacy
• Mediterranean influences
• Nubian culture in south

Travel Tips for Egypt #

Language #

Arabic (Official):

• Egyptian Arabic throughout country
• English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
• French: Some understanding
• Learning basic Arabic phrases helpful
• Tour operators provide multilingual guides

Climate & Best Times to Visit #

Desert Climate:

• Hot, dry summers: 30-40°C (86-104°F)
• Mild winters: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
• Very little rainfall
• Cooler in north, hotter in south

Regional Variations:

Cairo and Nile Valley:

• Hot summers, mild winters
• Best: October-April (mild weather)
• Avoid: June-August (very hot)

Red Sea Coast:

• Warm year-round
• Hot summers, mild winters
• Best: Year-round, but October-April most comfortable

Desert:

• Extreme temperatures
• Hot days, cold nights
• Best: October-April

Best Times:

• Peak season: October-April (mild weather)
• Shoulder season: May, September
• Low season: June-August (very hot, but fewer crowds)

Safety Considerations #

Generally safe for tourists but standard precautions essential:

General Safety:

• Tourist police present at major sites
• Use reputable tour operators
• Avoid demonstrations and large crowds
• Be cautious in isolated areas
• Travel insurance recommended

Health:

• No required vaccinations (check current requirements)
• Tap water not safe to drink
• Food safety: Eat at reputable places
• Sun protection essential
• Travel insurance highly recommended

Currency & Money #

Egyptian Pound (EGP):

• Relatively stable currency
• US dollars sometimes accepted
• Credit cards accepted in tourist areas
• ATMs available in cities
• Cash preferred in many places

Tipping (Baksheesh):

• Expected for many services
• Small amounts for various services
• Tour guides: 10-15% if satisfied
• Restaurants: 10% customary

Transportation #

Domestic Flights:

• EgyptAir, other carriers
• Connect major cities
• Flights to Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh
• Book advance for best prices

Trains:

• Extensive network
• Sleeper trains: Cairo to Luxor/Aswan
• Different classes available
• Comfortable for long distances

Nile Cruises:

• Luxor to Aswan (3-7 days)
• Various cruise ships
• All-inclusive packages
• Scenic and comfortable

Buses:

• Extensive network
• Connect cities and towns
• Different service levels
• Affordable option

Private Transportation:

• Private cars with drivers
• Organized tours
• Recommended for safety and convenience

Planning Your Egyptian Adventure #

Choosing the Right Tour Operator #

Select experienced Egypt tour operators who offer:

• Expert knowledge of ancient sites and history
• Nile cruise arrangements and coordination
• Red Sea diving and resort bookings
• Desert safari safety and logistics
• Transportation logistics and safety
• Language barriers overcome with multilingual guides
• Cultural immersion experiences
• Emergency support throughout country
• Seasonal activity planning
• Accommodation selection (hotels, Nile cruises, resorts)
• Security and safety knowledge
• Local insights and hidden gems

Popular Egypt Tours & Itineraries #

Classic Egypt #

• Cairo, Luxor, Aswan: 7-10 days
• Nile cruise: Luxor to Aswan (3-7 days)
• Pyramids and temples: Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Memphis (3-5 days)
• Complete Egypt: Cairo, Nile cruise, Red Sea (10-14 days)

Ancient Egypt Tours #

• Pyramids and Sphinx: Giza, Saqqara, Memphis
• Valley of the Kings: Luxor, Karnak, temples
• Abu Simbel: Day trip or overnight
• Temple tour: Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, others

Nile River Experiences #

• Nile cruises: Luxor to Aswan, various durations
• Felucca sailing: Traditional sailboat experiences
• Dahabiya cruises: Luxury smaller boat cruises
• Nile Valley exploration: All major sites

Red Sea & Diving #

• Sharm el-Sheikh: Diving, resorts, relaxation
• Hurghada: All-inclusive resorts, diving
• Dahab: Backpacker-friendly, diving
• Liveaboard diving: Multi-day dive trips

Desert Adventures #

• Western Desert: Oasis tours, desert safaris
• Siwa Oasis: Remote oasis, unique culture
• White Desert: Surreal landscapes
• Desert camping: Overnight experiences

Cultural Tours #

• Islamic Cairo: Mosques, bazaars, architecture
• Coptic Cairo: Ancient churches, history
• Nubian culture: Aswan area, villages
• Traditional crafts: Workshops, demonstrations

Multi-Country Tours #

• Egypt and Jordan: Pyramids, Petra, Dead Sea
• Egypt and Israel: Historical and religious sites
• Nile and Red Sea: Combine ancient sites with beach

Seasonal Tours #

• Peak season (October-April): Best weather, more crowds
• Shoulder season (May, September): Good weather, fewer crowds
• Low season (June-August): Very hot, but fewer crowds and lower prices

Egyptian Cuisine & Dining #

Egypt offers flavorful Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine:

Signature Dishes #

Traditional Favorites:

• Koshari: National dish, rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce
• Ful medames: Fava beans, breakfast staple
• Ta’ameya: Egyptian falafel (fava beans)
• Shawarma: Spit-roasted meat
• Kofta: Spiced meatballs
• Molokhia: Jute leaf soup

Street Food:

• Ful and ta’ameya: Breakfast favorites
• Hawawshi: Spiced meat in bread
• Koshari: Available everywhere
• Grilled corn: Street snack

Desserts:

• Baklava: Sweet pastry
• Basbousa: Semolina cake
• Konafa: Shredded pastry
• Umm Ali: Bread pudding

Beverages #

Traditional:

• Tea: Very popular, often with mint
• Coffee: Turkish/Egyptian style
• Karkadeh: Hibiscus tea (hot or cold)
• Fresh juices: Sugarcane, mango, others

Alcoholic:

• Beer: Stella (local brand)
• Wine: Limited local production
• Arak: Anise-flavored spirit
• Alcohol: Available but limited (Islamic country)

Dining Culture #

Meal Times:

• Breakfast: 7-9 AM (ful, ta’ameya)
• Lunch: 2-4 PM (main meal)
• Dinner: 8-10 PM (lighter meal)

Dining Out:

• Street food: Excellent and affordable
• Restaurants: Range from basic to upscale
• Traditional: Many restaurants serve local specialties
• International: Available in tourist areas and cities
• Tipping expected

Getting Around Egypt #

By Plane #

• Major airports: Cairo (CAI), Luxor (LXR), Aswan (ASW), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), Hurghada (HRG)
• Domestic flights connect major cities
• EgyptAir main carrier
• Book advance for best prices
• Flights save time on long distances

By Train #

• Extensive network
• Sleeper trains: Cairo to Luxor/Aswan (overnight)
• Different classes: First, second, third
• Comfortable for long distances
• Book advance for sleeper trains

By Nile Cruise #

• Luxor to Aswan: 3-7 day cruises
• Various cruise ships
• All-inclusive packages
• Scenic and comfortable
• Popular way to see temples

By Bus #

• Extensive network
• Connect cities and towns
• Different service levels
• Affordable option
• Comfortable coaches available

By Private Car #

• Private cars with drivers
• Organized tours
• Recommended for safety
• Flexible itineraries
• Can be arranged through tour operators

Why Book with Professional Tour Operators #

Experienced Egyptian tour operators provide:

• Expert knowledge of ancient sites and history
• Nile cruise arrangements and coordination
• Red Sea diving and resort bookings
• Desert safari safety and logistics
• Transportation logistics and safety
• Language barriers overcome with multilingual guides
• Cultural immersion experiences
• Emergency support throughout country
• Security and safety knowledge
• Seasonal activity planning
• Accommodation selection for various budgets
• Local insights and avoiding tourist traps
• Handling of baksheesh (tipping) expectations

Practical Information for Travelers #

Entry Requirements #

• Many nationalities: Visa on arrival available
• Some nationalities: Visa required in advance
• Valid passport required (6 months validity)
• Check current requirements before travel
• Tourist visa typically 30 days

Electricity #

• 220V, 50 Hz
• Plug types: Type C (European), Type F
• Adapters available
• Check device voltage compatibility

National Holidays #

• January 7: Coptic Christmas
• January 25: Revolution Day
• April 25: Sinai Liberation Day
• May 1: Labor Day
• June 30: Revolution Day
• July 23: Revolution Day
• October 6: Armed Forces Day
• Islamic holidays: Variable dates (Ramadan, Eid)

Health #

• No required vaccinations (check current requirements)
• Tap water not safe to drink
• Food safety: Eat at reputable places
• Sun protection essential
• Travel insurance highly recommended
• Healthcare quality varies

Communication #

• Country code: +20
• Mobile coverage good in populated areas
• Wi-Fi available in hotels and cafes
• SIM cards available for tourists
• Major carriers: Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat

Shopping #

• Papyrus: Traditional paper, paintings
• Alabaster: Carved items, vases
• Gold and silver: Jewelry, especially in Khan el-Khalili
• Perfumes: Essential oils, traditional scents
• Spices: From bazaars
• Carpets and rugs: Traditional and modern
• Cotton: High-quality Egyptian cotton products

Discover Egypt’s extraordinary ancient wonders with experienced tour operators who can customize your perfect itinerary, from exploring the Pyramids of Giza to cruising the Nile River, from diving in the Red Sea to experiencing ancient temples, and everything this magnificent ancient land has to offer history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and culture lovers.